DN page 6 PICTORIAL MONDAY, JANUARY 23, 2012 Former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the chief guest at the launch of the 10-year National Action Plan and the declara tion of 2012 as the Year of Trilingual - held at Temple Trees under the auspices of President in on Saturday. The President on the occasion President declares 2012 as declared 2012 as the Year for a Trilingual Sri Lanka . Former Indian President Kalam said that he was inspired by the landmark initiative, a brain child of President Rajapaksa, which sought to make Sri Lanka a trilingual nation by Year for a Trilingual Sri Lanka year 2020.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam and the Indian and Sri Lankan delegations holding talks. External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris and Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha were Former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam participating as chief guest at the launch of the 10-year National Action Plan also present and the declaration of 2012 as the Year of Trilingual Sri Lanka

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam discussing a point The former Indian President being taken on a guided tour of Temple Trees

R.Sagana of Puttalam Tamil W.A. Lakmali Dilrukshi Fathima Jemima of Vidyalaya presenting the Wijesuriya of Teldeniya Akkaraipattu Muslim Maha vote of thanks in Sinhala Madya Maha Vidyalaya pre- Vidyalaya presenting the senting the vote of thanks in vote of thanks in English Tamil

President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam at the launch. Senior Scientific Affairs Minister Prof. , External Affairs Minister Prof G.L. Peiris, National Languages and Social Integration Minister , Justice Minister Rauf Hakeem, Prof. , MP, Indian High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Ashok K. Kantha and Governor W.J.M. Lokubandara are also in the picture.

The three students who presented the vote of thanks pose for a group photo with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

A section of the foreign diplomats at the launch of the 10-year National Action Plan and the declaration of 2012 as the Year of Trilingual Sri Lanka Enthusiastic students participating on the occasion

Schoolchildren participating on the occasion Former Indian President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam planting a Red Sandlewood tree at Temple Trees

A variety of dance items which were part of the cultural show

Picture by Nalin Hewapathirana Teachers and officials